NHL could use an arbitrator

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JIM HUNT -- Toronto Sun

Some Tuesday morning musings on some of the things that amuse, confuse and even amaze a fellow in the wonderful world of fun and games.

BRING IN AN OUTSIDER

The NHL owners and the players' association say they're thinking of the fans. If they really are, they'll do something now to end the dispute that has brought the league to its knees.

The two sides are stubbornly refusing to budge from their positions, so any further negotiations are pointless. If this were any other industry it's obvious what would be done: An outside arbiter would be brought in with the power to force a deal on both sides. This is what should be done in the hockey impasse before the season goes down the drain.

It is in the interest of both sides to agree. If they don't, then I'm afraid there's no hope of settling the dispute. It might be a blow to the big egos of Gary Bettman and Bob Goodenow, but they should agree for the sake of the game they both profess to love.

CHEERS FOR EUROPE

I found myself rooting for the Europeans in the Ryder Cup. Not only were they underdogs against the mighty Americans, but U.S. captain Hal Sutton didn't help matters with some of his ravings.

What really bugged me was the one-sided coverage on NBC. The network spent a lot of time waving the American flag. It wasn't until late Sunday afternoon that it finally had to admit the Americans lost to a group of better golfers.

It's a real blow to the American image, but I'm sure they'll recover. Only problem is that at the next Ryder Cup, to be played in Ireland, the Europeans will be the favourites.

WHO WANTS VINCE?

I'm sure the Raptors would trade Vince Carter if they could make a deal. But there aren't many NBA teams willing to pick up Carter's big salary. Making a trade and getting something of equal value in return is all but impossible.

Carter said it's time he started to think of himself. He has thought of little else in the years he has been in Toronto.

The Raptors must share some of the blame. They let Carter dictate how the team should be run. To give any player this kind of input is a terrible mistake.

ARGOS BLOWING IT

With the Maple Leafs locked out and the Blue Jays in limbo, the Argos had a big chance. They could be the No. 1 team in town.

I'm afraid they're blowing it. They had a big chance Saturday in Winnipeg and tossed it away, losing to the Blue Bombers. The Argos will make the CFL playoffs and even get a home date. But the way they're playing there's no reason to think they'll challenge the Montreal Alouettes.

SOME FINAL THOUGHTS

The Blue Jays are apparently resigned to losing Carlos Delgado. I know they'll miss his big bat. But they must realize Delgado is one of the few Blue Jays the fans come out to see. His absence can't help but hurt the team at the gate ... The CFL should be paying careful attention to McMaster's Jesse Lumsden and York's Andre Durie. Lumsden rushed for 204 yards and four touchdowns on Saturday, while Durie had six touchdowns in York's win over Waterloo. Both should have a future in the CFL.